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Interested in using your leadership skills to make a tangible difference for accessibility in your community? Would you like to add a key experience to your resume? The Office for Disability Issues at Employment and Social Development Canada is seeking your interest in participating in an innovative pilot initiative being launched through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).

What is the EAF?

The EAF is a federal grants and contributions program which provides funding to eligible organizations for capital costs projects that increase access for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces, which in turn creates opportunities to participate in community activities, access community programs and services and employment opportunities. Examples of EAF Projects include but are not limited to: Installing an elevator or lift; Widening doorways and hallways; Installing an access ramp and automated door openers; Building accessible pathways; and Installing audio-visual fire alarm systems and/or software or peripheral hardware such as screen readers, symbolic software, voice recognition software and speech synthesizers for employees with hearing or visual impairments.

What is the pilot initiative all about?

The EAF Youth Innovation Pilot provides an opportunity for youth leaders such as you to have a direct impact in the lives of people with disabilities by addressing accessibility barriers in public spaces and/or workplaces within their communities and/or surrounding communities. As an Accessibility Leader you will be trained to help you develop a basic understanding of the EAF Program and will then receive a tool kit that includes all the required information and documents to achieve your mandate. The next step will be to identify accessibility barriers in community spaces or workplaces within your community (or surrounding communities). You will approach eligible organizations to make them aware of the existing accessibility barriers, and encourage them to apply for EAF funding under the Youth Pilot Initiative. Once the organization is onboard, you will briefly participate in the completion of the funding proposal. Finally, you will support the establishment of a more permanent EAF Youth Innovation Component by providing feedback concerning your participation in this pilot initiative. Of note, project proposals will be submitted for funding to the EAF and eligible projects will be funded through one-year grants of up to $10,000. Lastly, it is important to note that your participation is completely voluntary.

How can you participate?

To participate in this pilot project as a Youth Accessibility Leader, you must be between 15 and 30 years old and be determined to make a difference in your community. If you are interested in participating in this pilot initiative, we ask that you let the Enabling Accessibility Fund team know by October 30th, 2017 by sending an email to NC-EAF_YOUTH-FA_JEUNESSE-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca. Please note that interested participants will be receiving more detailed information about the process. Participants will also be provided with appropriate training, tools and support. Thank you for considering participating in this pilot initiative that will contribute to building a more accessible Canada!